2010 new motorcycle roundup

Paul Duchene, Special to Tribune Newspapers

It's an ill wind that blows no good, and the last year has been an economic hurricane in the motorcycle business. But as a consumer, you're sitting pretty.

After six straight years of more than 1 million in sales (1.1 million in 2008), motorcycle sales plummeted 40 percent in 2009. Scooters fared even worse, off 62 percent. Provisional figures for 2009 suggest about 627,000 bikes and scooters found new homes.

Gas prices reached $4 a gallon in July 2008, fueling a bike-buying spree, and dealers scrambled for inventory. Just when they got bikes, the economy tanked. Gas prices skidded to $1.60 a gallon in February 2009, which combined with winter and record unemployment, brought sales to a standstill.

Dealers that survived the crash and ensuing credit crunch are knee-deep in bikes. 2009 was so slow, manufacturers brought very few 2010 models to the U.S. Instead, there are early 2011s from Suzuki, and Ducati has launched its 2011 1200 Multistrada.

Still, there are new developments. The 2010 Honda VFR 1200F and Aprilia Mana offer dual-clutch transmissions, with different clutches for up- and downshifts, along with lightning-quick electronic gearshifts that can be accomplished with the push of a button or flick of a switch. It seems likely this system will find its way to the Honda Gold Wing.

BMW's R1000SS sportbike also offers a dual-clutch transmission, along with an intelligent traction-control system that varies the amount of power available, depending on the lean angle, with four settings for conditions and aggressiveness.

Manufacturers and dealers will negotiate. There are lots of 2009 bikes around; even some 2008s.

Don't be afraid to drive a hard bargain. Many MSRPs have increased about 10 percent from last year to give dealers more bargaining room. But if you're buying a 2009, start with a 2009 price guide and go from there.

So now that you're ready to buy, here are some good bets. Check the vehicle identification number on the headstock for date of manufacture, and expect discounts on 2009 models.

Honda Fury: Driving a stake through the heart of the custom chopper business for about one third the money. VTX 1300 engine, shaft drive, fuel injection and options that include ABS. 1,312-cc, SOHC V-twin; 663-681 pounds; $12,999-$13,999

Vespa GTS 300 Super: Shut up and hang on. How often do you say that on a scooter? Beautifully finished, well sorted. Near 90 mph, excellent handling, disc brakes all round. 278-cc, SOHC single; 326 pounds; $6,199

Sym Symba: If this looks familiar, Taiwan-based Sym used to build Cubs/Passports for Honda, and now it's making them for itself. In all, 65 million Honda 90s were sold around the world. 101-cc, SOHC single; 209 pounds; $2,398